MLB relaxes rules for Dodgers, Diamondbacks for Opening Day

The Los Angeles Dodgers' manager Don Mattingly listens to a question during a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. The MLB season-opening two-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks in Sydney is this weekend. The teams could benefit from special rules following their shortened spring training and Australia exhibition. (Rick Rycroft/The Associated Press file)

Because their season begins Saturday, the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks had shorter spring trainings than every other major-league team. MLB allowed each team some wiggle room with their Opening Day rosters for their troubles. Here are the rules:

1. 30 players can go to Sydney, but only 25 make the Opening Day roster.

That sounds straightforward, but there’s a twist. The Dodgers brought 26 players who have major-league contracts plus pitchers Zach Lee and Red Patterson, infielder Miguel Rojas and outfielder Joc Pederson. Assuming the quartet of minor leaguers begin the regular season in the minors (rosters are due Friday), they might only see action in the exhibition game Thursday against the Australian National team. Then one more player needs to go before Opening Day, likely via a minor-league option. Stay tuned.

2. Of the five not on the Opening Day roster, two can be activated during the trip.

Think of this as a safety net. For example, let’s say pitcher Chris Withrow is optioned to Triple-A today. If Jose Dominguez hurts his arm on Opening Day, the Dodgers can activate Withrow before Game 2.

3. Three other players who didn’t go to Sydney are granted exemptions

Brandon League and Dan Haren are healthy, but were left behind in Arizona. Don’t worry – they’re not off the team. The Dodgers can designate three players as “exempt” from the Sydney trip, then activate the the three players when the regular season resumes March 30 in San Diego.

4. The disabled list began Wednesday

Matt Kemp is making progress in his ankle rehab in minor-league spring training games. Zack Greinke is trying to build up innings after straining his calf in February. Josh Beckett has a contusion on his right thumb. Each would only have to miss a minimum of five games, since DL stints can be backdated to March 19.

5. Carl Crawford is eligible for paternity leave

His fiancee, television personality Evelyn Lozada, is due to give birth any day now. MLB allowed the Dodgers to put Crawford on the paternity leave list, even though the baby hasn’t arrived and the first game isn’t until Saturday. Crawford would have to be activated April 1 at the latest.